This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 05 – 11 AUG

Brothers,

05 AUG 1917

OH Gamma Brother Robert Lester Tavenner was commissioned a second lieutenant and infantry officer in the U.S. Army on this date, and went on to serve in France and Belgium during WWI. At OSU, Brother Tavenner was Junior Class President and Captain of the Company of Cadets.

11 AUG 1975

World War I, World War II and Korean War Veteran, Hero of Bastogne, SigEp Citation Recipient and WV Beta Brother General Anthony Clement “NUTS!” McAuliffe, U.S. Army (Retired) died on this date in Chevy Chase, Maryland at the age of 77. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 3, Site 2536.

Born in Washington, DC in 1898, Brother McAuliffe was a student at West Virginia University from 1916 to 1917, before attending and graduated from West Point in NOV 1918. He rose through the ranks from second lieutenant in 1918 to his promotion to four-star general in 1955.



WV Beta Brother
Anthony C. "NUTS! McAuliffe
(then) Brigadier General, U.S Army
[photo taken prior to D-Day]



On D-Day, Brother McAuliffe was serving as Commander of Division Artillery of the 101st Airborne Division when he parachuted into Normandy. He subsequently entered Holland during Operation MARKET GARDEN in a military glider. In DEC 1944, when the German army launched the surprise Battle of the Bulge, General Maxwell D. Taylor, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, was away, attending a staff conference in the United States.

In Taylor's absence, acting command of the 101st and its attached troops fell to (then) Brigadier General McAuliffe. At Bastogne, the 101st was besieged by a far-larger force of Germans under the command of General Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz.

On 22 DEC 1944, through a party consisting of a German major, captain, and two privates under a flag of truce that entered the American lines southeast of Bastogne, General von Lüttwitz sent the following ultimatum to General McAuliffe: 

“To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

 

There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.

If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.

All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.

The German Commander.”

According to various accounts from those present, when General McAuliffe was told of the German demand for surrender he said "Nuts!" At a loss for an official reply, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Kinnard suggested that his first remark summed up the situation well, which was agreed to by the others. The official reply: "To the German Commander, NUTS!, The American Commander" was typed and delivered by Colonel Joseph Harper, commanding the 327th Glider Infantry, and his S-3, Major Jones, to the German delegation. Harper had to explain the meaning of the word to the Germans, telling them that in "plain English" it meant "Go to hell.”

In Memoriam

In Bastogne, there is McAuliffe Square where a “Nuts!” festival takes place every year. A bust of Anthony was unveiled in 1967 and is located next to a tank at a corner of the square.

In the 1997, the NUTS! McAuliffe Society was formed and consists of extremely dedicated volunteers. The current NUTS! Brigadier General is IN Epsilon Brother John Stumpf.

A southern extension of Route 33 in eastern Northampton County, Pennsylvania, completed in 2002, was named the General Anthony Clement McAuliffe 101st Airborne Memorial Highway, and in 2009 the post headquarters building at Fort Campbell, Kentucky opened and was re-named McAuliffe Hall.

Our Brother left us with quite a lot to think about as to how to react and respond in incredibly stressful situations.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 27 MAY – 02 JUN

“Those who throw dirt only lose ground.” (From a chalk board on ESPN’S “Pardon the Interruption”)

Brothers, 

28 MAY 1917

On this date, NY Beta Brother James Armand Meissner dropped out of Cornell and enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Service (the branch of the Army then tasked with flying) as a Private First Class. He went on to become a World War I Ace, earn the rank of Major, and founded the Alabama Air National Guard – serving as the unit’s first commanding officer.

02 JUN 1917

Like Brother Meissner, NH Alpha Brother James Vincent Forrestal answered the call of duty following the declaration of war by Congress, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Second Class on this date. Brother Forrestal went on to become Secretary of the Navy, and serve as the first Secretary of Defense.

30 MAY 1961

U.S. Army Veteran NC Beta President Charles Henry Mateer was killed on this date after volunteering to serve as a co-pilot with Air America (CIA) in Laos. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1936, Brother Charles was in ROTC at North Carolina State University, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation from there in 1958. He served as an Army helicopter pilot before flying with the CIA.

Respect can be paid to Brother Mateer at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC.

01 JUN 1962

AZ Alpha Brother Edward C. Logan was commissioned on this date through Air Force ROTC at Arizona State. Brother Logan retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982 after serving in Okinawa, Thailand, Korea, NY, DC, TX, OK, and CA.


PA Iota Brother
Second Lieutenant
Charles J. Schultz, USMC

03 JUN 1967

On this date, a SigEp Patriot made the ultimate sacrifice. PA Iota President and Second Lieutenant Charles Joseph Schultz, U.S. Marine Corps was killed in action in Vinh Huy Village, Que Son Valley, South Vietnam.

The previous day, during Operation UNION II in the Que Son Valley, the Marines found the enemy entrenched in and around the Vinh Huy village complex. Heavy fighting on the 2nd and 3rd cost 67 American lives. Charles was assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

His awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals.

Brother Schultz is honored on Panel 21E, Line 52 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and respect can also be paid to him at the site of his interment at Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen, New Jersey.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 23 – 29 APR

24 APR 1942

World War II Veteran WI Alpha Brother Corporal Everett Roudebush, U.S. Army entered the Army on this date after finishing a concert tour with Salvatore Baccaloni, noted Metropolitan Opera Company star.

27 APR 1964

World War I Veteran, Judge (5th Judicial Circuit) and U.S. Congressman (Virginia) VA Eta Brother Private Joel West Flood, U.S. Army died on this date in Richmond, VA.

Joel was born 02 AUG 1894 near Appomattox, Virginia, became a SigEp at University of Virginia, and later attended Oxford University. After studying law he was admitted to the bar in 1917 and commenced practice in Appomattox.

During WWI, Brother Flood served in Company A, 350th Engineers, 80th Division. The same year he completed his military duty, Joel was elected Virginia State Commonwealth Attorney of Appomattox County in 1919. He served until 08 NOV 1932 when he was elected to the Seventy-second Congress to fill a vacancy. Brother Flood then resumed the practice of law, and after serving as a delegate to the 1936 Democratic National Convention was appointed assistant United States attorney for the western district of Virginia in 1939.

In JAN 1940, Joel was elected as a judge of the fifth judicial circuit of Virginia, and he served in this capacity until his death.

Respect can be paid to Brother Flood at the Flood Mausoleum, Appomattox Courthouse Square, Appomattox, VA.

29 APR 2005

World War II Veteran and NY Alpha Brother R. Charles Backus died on this date in Mexico, New York at the age of 84. He was an owner of the Oswego County Weeklies for over 50 years. He was a nationally known Holstein Auctioneer with R. Austin Backus Inc. He served many years as a delegate of the National Holstein Convention. He was a member of the Holstein Association of New York State and on the national level. He was a member of the Oswego Country Club and The Elms Golf Course. He was a cryptographer during WWII in the Signal Corps.

Respect can be paid to Brother Backus at Mexico Village Cemetery.

27 APR 2006

A hero died on this date at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas as a result of wounds received during combat operations in Habbaniyah, Iraq. Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and MI Beta Brother Sergeant Matthew Alan Webber, U.S. Army National Guard (Michigan) was 23 years old.

Matt attended Western Michigan University and joined the Army National Guard in 1999. He was called to active duty in June of 2005. Brother Webber was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan Army National Guard when he sustained injuries 21 NOV 2005 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.

Respect can be paid to Brother Webber at Pine Plains Cemetery, Big Rapids, Michigan.

25 APR 2008

U.S. Army Veteran PA Epsilon Brother Robert Edward Lee Anderson died on this date in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Born in Lancaster, Robert was the son of the late Herbert K. and Ella P. Anderson. He was a 1945 graduate of J. P. McCaskey High School and served in Europe as a member of the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948. After his patriotic serve, Brother Anderson graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University where he was pole vault champion.

Robert retired from Philadelphia Suburban Corp., formerly Huth Engineers.  He was a past president of the American Business Club and a former board member of the Lancaster chapter of United Cerebral Palsy.Repect can be paid to Brother Anderson at Greenwood Cemetery, Lancaster, PA.

25 APR 2008

World War II Veteran and PA Delta Brother TECH 5 C. Crandall Shaffer, Jr., U.S. Army of Dublin, Ohio died on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Shaffer at Kingwood Memorial Park, Lewis Center, OH.

24 APR 2011

On this date, Korean War Veteran VT Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Robert Kinsman Horne, U.S. Army died at his home in Palm Desert, California following a valiant fight against Alzheimer's/Dementia.

At Norwich University, Brother Horne played three sports and was Captain of the Hockey Team the 52-53 season. The Team was inducted into the Norwich Hall of Fame in 1993, and in 1998 Bob was inducted personally into the Hall. Following college he served as an Army First Lieutenant in Germany during the Korean War. He is a lifetime member of the Melrose Wyoming Lodge of Masons. His business career included work in Truck Leasing with several companies reaching a pinnacle as a National Sales VP for the Hertz Co. He concluded his career as President of "Trader Horne" - a Transportation Consulting Co.

He relished in physical activity and dancing of any kind. His busy life was full of gardening, photography and international trips where he and his wife visited many exotic countries where they were assimilated into the local communities eating, dancing, living and reveling in many different cultures. Our saying was "If it's muggy and buggy and the natives wear bones in their noses, we'll be there."

Respect can be paid to Brother Horne at Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona del Mar, California.

26 APR 2011

U.S. Army Air Corps Flight Surgeon and World War II Veteran Flight Surgeon, NC Gamma Brother Richard Elwood Nitschke died on this date at the age of 97.

Richard was born 05 JUL 1913 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and he lived there until the age of six when the family re-located to Philadelphia and later to Utica, NY. He entered an accelerated undergraduate program at Duke University in 1931. Brother Nitschke was the number one half miler on the cross country track team that won the Southern Conference Championship. After graduating from Duke Medical School in 1937, Dr. Nitschke moved to New York City for his internship at Columbia Presbyterian and residency at Roosevelt Hospital. His specialty was internal medicine but he also trained at the Neurological Institute of New York. While still in New York, he enlisted in the Manhattan Division of the 101st horse cavalry. Upon the onset of World War II, he was assigned to the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas. Brother Nitschke served as Flight Surgeon with the Army Air Corps, with the 30th Bomb Group of the 5th Fighter Wing and was stationed at Ballinger, Texas, Lubbock, Texas and Oahu, Hawaii. Dr. Nitschke was a dedicated physician of Internal Medicine, serving his patients in the San Antonio community from 1946 until his retirement in 1985.

On this date, U.S. Air Force Veteran and IA Delta Brother Thomas Michael Hamilton also died after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Tom was born on 03 MAR 1938 in Davenport, Iowa. At Drake University he played football and was a proud member of the 1958 Sun Bowl team. He received his undergraduate degree in business, followed by a Master's Degree in Psychology. After graduation, Brother Hamilton served his country in the Air Force. He began his professional career at Northwestern Bell and then worked with Personnel Inc. before founding Hamilton & Associates in 1972. There he truly found a profession he loved, helping clients achieve success through talent acquisition while taking great satisfaction in assisting individuals in advancing their careers. He merged his business with McGladrey and Pullen in 1988 and worked as a Senior Consulting Partner until he retired from the firm in 1999. He then co-founded Selection Resources with his son and offered advanced pre-employment testing services. He was an accredited SPHR through the Society of HR Management. His career was also highlighted by community service in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Youth Homes of Mid America, the YMCA, Hope Ministries and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a member of Rotary International for 43 years and was a "7 Gallon" blood donor to the Blood Center of Iowa.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Lieutenant Grover Cleveland Pitts Jr., U.S. Navy

Grover Cleveland Pitts Grover Cleveland Pitts Jr., 94, passed away on Friday, 20 APR 2012, at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
* U.S. Army Korean War Veteran DE Alpha Brother Warren VanArsdalen Jr. also passed away peacefully Friday, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Delaware.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family and friends of brothers Pitts and VanArsdalen. This list is likely incomplete, and the small group of dedicated brothers working the SigEp Patriots Project could use your help. If you know of a brother patriot that has passed away we appreciate an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* 461! The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – reached 460 members and pushed one over that mark last week when TX Alpha Brother Captain Connie Lane, U.S. Army and DC Delta Brother 2LT Charlie Kerry, U.S. Marine Corps honored us by joining our ranks. Welcome aboard brothers!

* 2356! Over the past week, the SPP database gained names and information about over 540 brothers-in-arms, bringing our holdings to 2356 brothers who serve/served patriotically in the U.S. military.

We are always looking for brothers-in-arms, and we hope you will reach out. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the listserve. In both cases, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project

Brothers,

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noice of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. ~ Steve Jobs

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 20 – 26 FEB

Brothers,

“This generation of Americans has come to realize, with a present and personal realization, that there is something larger and more important than the life of any individual or of any individual group – something for which a man will sacrifice, and gladly sacrifice, not only his pleasures, not only his goods, not only his associations with those he loves, but his life itself. In time of crisis when the future is in the balance, we come to understand, with full recognition and devotion, what this nation is, and what we owe to it.”
~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his Message to the American People (sometimes referred to as “The Map Speech”); February 23, 1942

25 FEB 1926
On this date, U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Walter William Rust was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Walt served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Puget Sound (CVE-113) in the South Pacific, and as such was aboard the ship when it entered Tokyo Bay 14 OCT 1945.

26 FEB 1933
NE Beta Brother and First Lieutenant Paul Edgar Fesler, U.S. Air Force was born on this date.

25 FEB 1946
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Veteran and TN Beta Brother Fred Avil Allen III was born on this date.

20 FEB 1992
Gone but never forgotten. NY Eta Brother and First Lieutenant Michael T. Morrisey, U.S. Army Reserve died on this date after being struck by a drunk driver while jogging near his home in Grand Island, New York.

Born in Rochester, NY, he graduated from Grand Island High School, where he was captain of the varsity swim team. While attending Buffalo State College, Mike pledged SigEp, and was very active in the fraternity while also excelling in the ROTC Program at Canisius College.

In memory of Michael, his family set up scholarship funds at Buffalo State College, Canisius College and Geneseo State College. As of 2003, Ninety students have benefited from the generosity of the Morrisey family and other donors.Respect can be paid to Brother Morrisey at St. Stephen's Cemetery on Grand Island.

23 FEB 2008
World War II Veteran PA Delta Brother Sergeant John Metcalf Bickelhaupt, U.S. Army Air Corps died on this date in Saratoga Springs, New York. During WWII, Brother Bickelhaupt served as a pilot and was stationed in the Pacific. After the war, John attended Penn where he was president of the senior class.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bickelhaupt at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.

23 FEB 2010
VT Alpha Brother, Maine State Senator and First Lieutenant David Lee Carpenter, U.S. Army Reserve died on this date in Springvale, Maine at the age of 75. Dave was born in Boston, MA, graduated from Needham High School, and received a degree in business administration from Norwich. While at Norwich, Dave was a member of the Outing Club and was a brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Eta Rho. He was also a member of the drill team. Dave served in the Army Reserves as a first lieutenant. He was a co-owner of C&C/Taylor Rental from the late sixties to the mid-seventies when he became a real estate broker with Davis Real Estate, and later owned Carpenter Realty. He was a former member of the Rotary Club and served on the YMCA and Dollars for Scholars boards. Dave ran for the Maine State Senate in 1988 and worked in that capacity for 12 years. The Utilities Committee, State and Local Government and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee were all part of his duties in the Maine State Senate.

A year ago -
* On 22 FEB 2011, U.S Coast Guard Fireman and FL Zeta Brother Tristan Scott McMorran began his patriotic military. Currently, Brother McMorran is serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) home ported in Portsmouth, VA.

* A year ago this week, CA Beta Beta Brother and U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Bryan Ferrell learned that he had obtained a seat for USAF Flight Training. Brother Ferrell is on track to graduate from the University of San Diego this spring, and after receiving his commission in June he will be assigned to Vance, Air Force Base to begin his flight training.

* CA Theta Brother, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and First Lieutenant Adam Wilson, U.S. Army has been very busy since graduating from the Artillery Officer’s school at Ft. Sill about a year ago. He was promoted to First Lieutenant, successfully earning his tab at Ranger School at Ft. Benning, and deployed to and returned from Iraq – for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* Korean War Veteran and CA Beta Brother Captain Glen Chase Ware, U.S. Air Force passed away 17 FEB in The Woodlands, Texas at the age of 83.
* U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran and FL Gamma Brother Dana Blake Jr also passed away on 17 FEB at the age of 69 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Brother Blake served from 1967 to 1969.
* U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran and OH Mu Brother Tom Howard Martindale passed away recently in Tucson, AZ. His obituary did not state a date.
* World War II Veteran, UT Alpha Brother and Lieutenant Colonel Junius Wells Robins, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Retired) passed away 21 FEB 2012 at the age of 92. Brother Robins served honorably as a U.S. Marine Corps Artillery Officer in the Pacific in World War II and stayed in the Active Reserves until 1975.

As always, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these Brothers, and the SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service to the Nation will never be forgotten.

UPDATE: SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP)
* SPP now has the names of more than 1,110 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military!
* The SPP leadership ranks continue to grow. SPP would like to welcome the following points of contact that work with SPP to increase the historical holdings of their respective chapters as well as the SPP archives:
#16 – CA Gamma AVC President Brother Scott Carr, #17 – CA Theta Brother and Corporal in the California National Guard Frank Beardsley, and #18 – U.S. Navy Veteran and TX Chi Brother Thurman Walling. Just drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you are interested in serving as a chapter POC.
* The official SPP Facebook group is closing in on 440 SigEp Patriots with the addition of the following Brothers:
PA Gamma Brother and Navy ROTC Cadet Charles Brand, OH Gamma Brother Oliver J. Mitchell, CA Theta Brother and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Lance Corporal Matt Buelow, OH Pi Brother and Air National Guard Veteran Brad Badgley, U.S. Navy Veteran and TX Chi Brother Thurman Walling, and MD Zeta Brother and U.S. Navy Aviator Ryan Hunt.

Welcome Brothers! To join the group, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join our listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. You will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 15 – 21 AUG

"Man has a large capacity for effort. In fact, it is so much greater than we think it is that few ever reach this capacity. We should value the faculty of knowing what we ought to do and having the will to do it. Knowing is easy; it is the doing that is difficult. The critical issue is not what we know, but what we do with what we know. The great end of life is not knowledge, but action. I believe that it is the duty of each of us to act as if the fate of the world depended on him... we must live for the future, not for our own comfort or success." ~ Admiral Hyman Rickover, U.S. Navy (Retired), May 1982

15 AUG 1892
NE Alpha Brother and World War I Veteran Thurl B. Strain, U.S. Army was born on this date in Creighton, Nebraska.

20 AUG 1897
PA Delta Brother and World War I Veteran Russell Sherwood Potter, U.S. Marine Corps (University of Pennsylvania ’18) was born on this date. Brother Potter served in the 80th Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. To read about the WWI service of our Brother and the 6th Marine Regiment click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_Marine_Regiment_(United_States.

15 AUG 2009
Oregon Alpha Brother Thomas Dale Walt, U.S. Navy (Oregon State University ’69) died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina following a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Brother Walt was born 13 JUN 1946, and grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. At Oregon State, he was captain of the Navy ROTC Scabbard and Blade honor society, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.

Following graduation and his commissioning as an ensign, Tom entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Washington D.C., where he served for five years in the Division of Naval Reactors under Admiral H.G. Rickover – “Father of the Nuclear Navy.”

A balanced man, Brother Walt was an avid runner and completed the Portland Marathon in 1985. Tom also volunteered a significant amount of time to the Beaverton School District where he served on the school board for eight years including two years as chairman.

17 AUG 2009
OH Epsilon Chapter President / Lieutenant Commander Charles Henson “Chuck” Pulley, U.S. Navy died on this date of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Brother Pulley was born 22 APR 1917 in Cambridge, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was chapter president.

Chuck joined the Navy in 1941, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR), trained as a fighter pilot, served with naval intelligence and worked in the research and development of the parachute – a step that set the direction for his life's work as a safety advocate.

His work in parachute research led to his first job with Irving Air Chute in 1950. Brother Pulley became president of the company in 1962, which became Irvin Industries, and began the manufacture of automotive seat belts for General Motors.

This established his life-long mission to promote automotive safety and seat belt use worldwide. His advocacy took him throughout the world to address legislative bodies, safety organizations and national media on the life-saving benefits of safety belts and brought him international recognition. In his capacity as president of the American Seat Belt Council, later the Automotive Occupant Restraints Council, he served as spokesman for occupant safety from 1961 until his retirement at age 82.

During his tenure, the Council worked for the passage of seat belt use laws worldwide and helped to increase seat belt usage in the U.S. from less than 15% to more than 60%, while saving tens of thousands of lives.

19 AUG 2009
OH Theta Brother / World War II Veteran Private Albert Wernersbach, U.S. Army (University of Cincinnati ’51) died on this date.

After graduation from high school in 1945, Albert was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was trained as an infantryman at Ft. Hood, Texas and sent to Washington State to await potential deployment in a possible invasion of Japan. However, he received the news that the war was over while on a train headed for a ship in the Pacific that was to take him & others to Japan. Brother Wernersbach spent his remaining service time of one year on the South Pacific Island of New Caledonia, serving as a military policeman.

Upon returning from overseas, Albert, who had never expected to attend college, enrolled in the University of Cincinnati under the G.I.Bill. There he received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, and met Judith Elaine Garner, through her brother, one of his chapter brothers.

Brother Wernersbach was founder and chairman of printing & graphic arts supply & service company, Jetcom, Inc. which began in the family basement in 1960. In 1980, the recession led to the only financial loss in the company's history, but by then it was the largest graphic arts supply & service company in the tri-state area with about fifty employees. In 1995, Albert sold Jetcom to a Philadelphia based firm & ultimately the company became a division of Fuji Films.

BROTHER RETURNS FROM IRAQ DEPLOYMENT
WELCOME HOME, IL Eta Brother / Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran First Lieutenant Kolby Bissell, U.S. Army! While we were enjoying Conclave, Kolby returned from his successful deployment to Iraq. We are all glad you are back safe. Thank you for your service!

WELL DONE!
Yesterday, CA Theta Brother Frank Beardsley, Army National Guard (California) successfully completed the 11B Personal Education Course at Camp Robinson in Arkansas.

HAVE SOME NEWS?
If you have news, accomplishments or just want to share a story please send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

CORRECTION
IN Beta Brother / Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran Colonel Robert Lanham, U.S. Marine Corps provided a fantastic leadership presentation at Conclave! When promoting Brother Lanham’s Conclave presentation in the previous edition, Bob was mistakenly listed as retired. For the past 29 years, our Brother has diligently and honorably served our country on active duty and he continues to do so.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
World War II Veteran / MI Alpha Brother George Allan Roney, U.S. Army died on 03 AUG 2011.
World War II Veteran / UT Alpha Brother Worth B. McNeel, U.S. Army died 03 AUG 2011.
OH Alpha Brother / Second Lieutenant Emil E. "Skip" Chiles Jr., U.S. Air Force (Retired) died 11 AUG 2011.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT
At Conclave Phoenix, there was a lot of talk about making a mark. The Project is meant to do just that by honoring Brothers who serve/served our great Nation in the U.S. military, and record and maintain a working history in order to recognize and respect their accomplishments and sacrifices. It is an unofficial effort and no monies are collected or requested.

The Project made great strides at Conclave. There were introductions to Patriots, and at the time of this work the project’s official Facebook page – SigEps Who Serve (SWS) – has increased by seven Brothers and the Patriot listserve has increased by two members. Also, thanks to those of you who had kind words, comments and suggestion for the Project.

Brothers with a military affiliation can join the SWS Facebook group by clicking on http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. To join the SigEp Patriots Project listserve, send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. All that is needed for both is your home chapter and branch of service.

WELCOME ABOARD
Thanks to Patriot Brothers UT Beta Brother / Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran Captain Bill Muthiora, Army National Guard (Idaho) and Navy veteran / IN Beta Brother Sean Benge. They recently volunteered to join the Project and serve as a point of contact for their respective chapters.

It is the goal of the Project to work with Brothers – undergrad or alumnus – interested in being the point of contact for information about past and current military SigEps from your chapter. Any Brother can serve in this position that is meant to further the understanding and knowledge of the contributions to your chapter’s history by Brothers-in-arms. Drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com for more details on this effort.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
NY Eta ‘96

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 25 - 31 July

30 JUL 1889
On this date, World War I Veteran / PA Delta Brother / Doctor Edwin P. Longaker, U.S. Army Medical Corps (University of Pennsylvania, 1913) was born.

29 JUL 1939
Vietnam War Veteran / OR Alpha Brother / Captain Ernest “Ernie” A. Harris, U.S. Marine Corps (Oregon State University ’61) was born on this date in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

26 JUL 1958
On this date 53 years ago, Korean War Veteran and Ace / IN Alpha Brother / Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force (Purdue University ’49) crashed to his death near Rosamond Dry Lake while flying an F-104 ultrasonic jet from Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) over the Mojave Desert. Brother Kincheloe was laid to rest with full military honors in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.

Kinch was born in Detroit, Michigan on 02 JUL 1928, but grew up in Cassopolis, Michigan. He attended Purdue University, and graduated with degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officers Training Corps. He took pilot training at Randolph AFB, Arizona, where he got his wings and commission in 1950.

In 1950-51 he served with the 4th and 51st Fighter Wings in Korea, flying 101 combat missions in F-86 Sabrejets and 30 in F-80 Shooting Stars. He shot down ten communist planes, being one of 12 Air Force pilots with ten or more jet victories to his credit during that war. He earned the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals.

After the war, Brother Kincheloe became a test pilot participating in the testing of the Century Series of fighter aircraft. In the mid-1950s, Kincheloe joined the Bell X-2 program and on 07 SEP 1956, he flew the Bell X-2 research rocket plane more than 2,000 mph (3,200 km/h) and to a height of 126,200 feet (38,500 m) (some sources list 126,500), the first flight ever above 100,000 feet.

In SEP 1959, Kinross AFB in Upper Peninsula, Michigan was renamed Kincheloe AFB in his honor (the base closed in SEP 1977), and a monument also stands a few miles east of his hometown of Cassopolis, Michigan – it is an angular stone slab twelve feet high bearing a silver model of the X-2 pointed skyward. In 1992, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor, and the Iven C. Kincheloe Award is named in his honor.

30 JUL 1983
World War II Veteran / Congressman / DE Alpha Brother / Major Herbert Birchby Warburton, U.S. Army (University of Delaware ‘38 of Wilmington, Delaware died on this date.

Born in Wilmington on 21 SEP 1916, Brother Warburton graduated from UD in 1938 and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Recruit Officer Training Command (ROTC) program. It appears Herbert graduated from the Dickinson School of Law before commencing active duty as a first lieutenant of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Antiaircraft Battalion (SEP 1941).

Upon his release from active duty in 1945, Brother Warburton began practicing law in Wilmington, and served as city solicitor from 1949 to 1952 before being elected to the Eighty-Third Congress (1953-55).

Herbert continued his service to the American public with his appointment as special assistant to Secretary of Labor James P. Mitchell (02 MAR 1955 – 07 NOV 1957), as general counsel, Post Office Department (07 NOV 1957 – 20 JAN 1961), and as minority counsel to the House Government Operations subcommittee (MAR 1961 to SEP 1964).

Upon his death, Brother Warburton was cremated and the family retained his ashes.

28 JUL 2004
AL Beta Brother / First Lieutenant William “Bill” D. Yates, U.S. Army (University of Alabama ’55) passed away on this date. Bill was a member of the Pledge Class of Fall 1951 and was in ROTC while at Bama. Upon graduation he received a commission in the U.S. Army, and after his discharged Brother Yates returned to his hometown of Lanett, Alabama. There he owned and operated Yates Printing and Office Supplies until his retirement in 1997.

25 JUL 2010
A year ago on this date, World War II and Korean War Veteran / MS Beta Brother / General William E. “Bill” Callicott, U.S. Army / Mississippi National Guard (Retired) (Mississippi State University ’48) died in Memphis, Tennessee.

Born 16 JUN 1924, Brother Collicott was a lifelong Senatobia resident. He retired as owner of the Callicott Insurance Agency, a business his grandfather began in 1915.

Bill served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1960 to 1976, and later served as Mayor of Senatobia for three terms.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Senatobia.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISMENTS, MILESTONES AND GREAT NEWS
During July –
-VA Beta Brother / Chris Costello, U.S. Army graduated from 88M (truck) training.
-OH Gamma Brother / Second Lieutenant Scott Dudis, U.S. Army (Veterinary Corps) was commissioned to his present rank.
-AK Alpha Brother / Joel Fix, U.S. Army Reserve has been mobilized and deployed overseas.
-MT Alpha Brother Paul Gerhardt (formerly USMC) got engaged!
-CA Theta Brother / Ted Hornstra graduated from Airborne school.
-VA Beta Brother Erik Kelly joined the U.S. Navy’s Delayed Entry Program and is scheduled to begin serving on active duty when he goes to Recruit Training Command (“boot camp”) in February 2012.

If you have a recent accomplishment, drop me a line at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

ADDITIONAL LOSSES TO THE ROLL IN JULY
Sadly, the following SigEp Patriots were lost in July and have not been previously listed:

07 JUL
World War II Veteran / NH Alpha Brother / Lieutenant Commander Robert Eastwood Neill, U.S. Navy / U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) (Dartmouth College ’35) (14 MAR 1914 – 07 JUL 2011). Brother Neill served in the South Pacific during WWII.

09 JUL
World War II Veteran / MI Alpha Brother / Major Robert Jackson Ogden, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (University of Michigan ’42) (29 JAN 1920 – 09 JUL 2011). Brother Ogden served in Alaska during WWII.

09 JUL
TN Alpha Brother / First Lieutenant Thomas Joseph Williams, Jr., U.S. Army National Guard (Tennessee) (University of Tennessee ’07) was 26 years old when he passed away 09 JUL 2011. He is survived by his parents, Thomas Joseph Williams, Sr. and Lynne Tune Williams; sisters, Ann-Marie and Mary Jo Williams; fiancée, Nikki Schmidt, as well as countless friends and loved ones. He was 1LT in the Army National Guard, where he was a pilot of OH-58D(R) and platoon leader in C/1/230th ACS at McGee Tyson Flight Facility. He was the owner and president of Southeast Investment Group. He graduated from Hillwood High School in 2003 and the University of Tennessee in 2007. He was active in Sigma Phi Epsilon and the UT ROTC program.

Brother Williams was laid to rest at the Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

12 JUL
Vietnam War Veteran / CA Beta Brother James Robert Smoot, U.S. Army (University of Southern California) (21 JUL 1946 – 12 JUL 2011) The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law will honor him with a memorial reception at the school on 08 AUG at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James R. Smoot Memorial Fund at Playhouse on the Square, 66 South Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104 or the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Make checks payable to University of Memphis Foundation and mail to: Department 238, U of M Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0001. Include instructions to designate your gift to the Dean Emeritus James R. Smoot Scholarship Fund. Online gifts may be made by visiting www.memphis.edu/law/faculty/smoot.php.

27 JUL
World War II Veteran / MA Beta Brother / Corporal Harold “Harry” Melden, Jr., U.S Marine Corps (Asiatic Pacific Area) (Worcester Polytechnic Institute ’49) (19 JUN 1924 – 27 JUL 2011)

Brother Melden’s obituary stated that the burial plans will be private, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to support student financial aid may be sent to WPI, Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609 or Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed "Otter" Jones
Chief, U.S. Navy Reserve
NY Eta '93

This Week in the History of Sigma Phi Epsilon Patriots, 14 – 20 February

15 FEB 1891
WWI Veteran / Brother / Doctor / Major William Bates, U.S. Army (PA Delta / University of Pennsylvania, 1912) was born on this day. After getting his bachelor’s degree, Brother Bates went on to med school and graduated with his M.D. in 1915. He was a Surgeon/1st Lieutenant in 1916, was ordered to active duty in MAY 1917, and served in France at least until APR 1918. He was discharged as a Major in FEB 1919.

17 FEB 1921
On this date, WWII Veteran / Brother / First Lieutenant Douglas L. Pearce, U.S. Army Air Corps (CO Delta / Colorado School of Mines ’42) was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He graduated with an engineering degree, and soon thereafter enlisted in the Army in Salt Lake City as a 1st Lieutenant, 9th Army Air Force.

In JUN 1943, Brother Pearce was stationed South Dakota until he was sent overseas. He served on active duty until 1946 and in the reserves until 1949.

Gone but not forgotten

14 FEB 2006
On this date, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran / Brother / Lance Corporal Matthew R. Barnes, U.S. Marine Corps (LA Delta / University of Louisiana at Monroe) made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Qa’im, Iraq. He was 20 years old.

Brother Barnes was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC. He was killed when a suicide car bomb attacked the vehicle he was in. Matthew and another Marine were killed when a bomber rammed their Humvee.

Matthew was a student at the University of Louisiana at Monroe until he joined the Marines in May 2004.

08 FEB 2011
WWII Veteran / Brother / Lieutenant James Owen Simpson, U.S. Army (OH Kappa / Bowling Green State University) of Moultrie, died earlier this month at the age of 84.

A memorial service was held on 12 FEB at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be held later this spring at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Brother Simpson was born 06 JUNE 1926, in Akron, Ohio. He was a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Prior to college he was a lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II. While in college he met his loving wife, Margaret Jane “Peggy” Turner Simpson. Employed by Equifax after college, Jim and Peggy lived in Minnesota, Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., and, finally, Columbus, Ohio, where he was executive sales manager until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement, he was able to achieve his life-long goal of traveling the world, said his family.

Memorial contributions may be to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cobb Funeral Chapel.

Please leave condolences to the family at www.moultrieobserver.com.

Update on Brother Kyle Hicks
Brother Kyle Hicks, U.S. Army (AL Theta / Jacksonville State University ’08) was severely injured on Thanksgiving 2010 while on mid-deployment leave. Kyle underwent surgery on 15 FEB 2011 and his dad reported:
"Kyle came through 4.5 hour surgery and is out like a light thanks to modern pharmacology. Dr Dockery said it went well, and now it is wait-and-see for the results. Kyle is tough and the prayer warriors are pulling him through. Another miracle, God is merciful and gracious. Please continue to pray, it is working. Grace and peace, Bob” Another miracle, God is merciful and gracious. Please continue to pray, it is working. Grace and peace, Bob"

Please keep Brother Hicks and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Congrats!
The SigEp Patriots Project recently learned that Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran / Brother / Captain Nate Davis, U.S. Army (FL Beta / Stetson University ’07) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service” during his recent Afghanistan deployment. Brother Davis “led his Platoon on over 140 Combat Operations to include over 11 Air Assaults and over 18 EOD Escort Operations…in over 11 different Districts in every corner of Khowst Province.” [Taken from the award citation] Well done, Brother!

Mobilization News!
Brother / Lance Corporal Yoni Haim, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (FL Iota / University of South Florida ‘11) told the Marine Corps that he was interested in mobilizing to active duty, and Uncle Sam came a calling on Valentine’s Day! I am guessing he didn’t get flowers or chocolate with that gift. Train hard and stay safe on your deployment, Brother.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
NY Eta / Chief, US Navy
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

This Week in the History of SigEp Patriots, 27 December - 02 January

Let me know what you think about the slight format change.

This is a significant week in the lives of three brothers that were recognized for extraordinary heroism.

1896
28 DEC - On this day, Brother Joseph Francis Kiep, Jr., US Army - pilot (PA Delta / University of Pennsylvania) was born.

1915
31 DEC - Brother / Major Samuel Eugene Carpenter, US Army - WWII - Pacific (OK Alpha / Oklahoma A&M '37 - now Oklahoma State University) was born on this day in Fairview, Oklahoma. In 1942, Sam entered the Army as a First Lieutenant and served in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. He left the Army as a Major.

1917
31 DEC - On this day, Brother / Ensign Joseph Metcalf Hissem, US Navy Reserve - WWII - Battle of Midway (IL Alpha / University of Illinois '39) was born in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.

Brother Hissem was postumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at Midway on 04 JUN 1942. The Navy Cross is the highest award presented by the Navy following the Medal of Honor.

1920
01 JAN - This marks the day that Brother / Captain Robert Tavenner, US Army - WWI - France & Belgium (OH Gamma / The Ohio State University '08) was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal and Army Distinguished Service Cross for action during two seperate feats of "extraordinary heroism" on the battlefield in France and Belgium, respectively, in the fall of 1918.

The Army Distinguished Service Cross is the highest award presented by the Army following the Medal of Honor.

1934
27 DEC - On this day, Brother / Major George "Vern" Ellison, US Marine Corps (Retired) - Vietnam (OR Alpha / Oregon State University) was born in Eugene, Oregon.

Vern was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1957 and served until he retired as a Major in 1977. He was awarded the Bronze Star with a combat "V" (for valor) and twice awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

1944
30 DEC - On this day, Brother / (then) Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, US Army (WV Beta / West Virginia University) was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross by General Patton for his actions at Bastogne, Belgium.

With this recognition, Brother McAuliffe joined brothers Major James Armand Meissner, US Army Air Service (NY Beta; awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross twice in 1918), and the aforemention Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, US Army (OH Gamma) and Ensign Joseph Metcalf Hissem, US Navy Reserve (IL Alpha) as the highest decorated brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon that served in the United States military.

Brother Meissner is the only SigEp to receive the Army Distinguished Service Cross twice.

Recent Losses - The following SigEp patriots passed away in the month of December:

*Brother Charles J. "Bud" Foster III, US Marine Corps (DE Alpha / University of Delaware) passed away 12 DEC. Brother Foster was a life-long athlete - medaling in the Penn Relays and running in multiple Boston Marathons, and was a voracious reader of American military history. His final resting place was not listed in his obituary.

*Franklin A. Rouse, US Marine Corps (NC Beta / North Carolina State University) died 18 DEC at Carteret General Hospital. In addition to his military service, Brother Rouse was an Eagle Scout, and very active in the community, including serving as Deputy Secretary of the NC Department of Transportation. He was awarded a membership to the NC Republican Party Hall of Fame, and was a recipient of the J. E. Broyhill Award and Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor. His final resting place was not listed in his obituary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America, payable to ECCBSA, P.O. Box 1698, Kinston, NC 28503, or to the Carteret General Hospital Foundation Critical Care Unit, P.O. Drawer 1619, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.

*Brother Kenneth J. Goodman, US Navy Veteran (KY Beta / University of Louisville) passed away at his home in Louisville on Christmas Eve. Ken was a chapter president at KY Beta, and is survived by his real and fellow chapter brother, Joseph G. Goodman. Ken was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, and expressions of sympathy may be made to Day Spring (www.dayspringky.org) and the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana (www.pscky.org).

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief, USNR
NY Eta / Buffalo State College
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

The weekly works are part of an effort that is sourced by you - brothers who have and have not served in the military, as well as from research on the internet. It is powered by brotherly love and the belief that our Chapter and National histories are extremely important, and that the accomplishments and sacrifices of these brothers are worthy of remembrance and celebration.

All information is vetted to the best of my ability, and any brother that wishes to share personal information or details about the life of a brother who serve/served our country is strongly encouraged to contact me at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SigEp patriots who serve or have served can connect with more than 250 brothers-in-arms via the Facebook group SigEps Who Serve - www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5903232706. As this is a closed group set up solely for brother patriots that serve/served in the U.S. military - whether that be active, reserve, retired, ROTC - all are welcome! Your name, home chapter and military affiliation will be required before your request to join the group is confirmed.

A special thanks to Wordjunky for the guidance while I fat-finger these submissions to this terrific blog.